Louisville survives massive run, downs boston college

By Mike GilpatrickJanuary 21st, 2018

File Photo by Seth Spalding​

four cards in double-digits in win

It wasn't pretty, but a win is a win.

In the first game of the men's and women's doubleheader, the Louisville Cardinals survived Boston College's massive comeback, and defeated the Eagles 77-69. The Cards had an almost 20-point lead get cut to two with under a minute left.

Louisville had an early lead, before the Eagles went on a 12-0 run over four minutes. BC had a six-point lead. Then, Jordan Nwora came off the bench, and put Louisville back in the game. He scored 13 over the period. He led the team in points heading into the locker room. He was one of the bright spots of the half. The next closest scorer was Malik Williams. The team was shooting 33.3 percent, and hit four for 13 from three. Despite this, the Cards had the 31-29 lead at halftime.

Then, Louisville gained steam. The Cards started the second on an 8-2 run. Then, another 8-2 run. Midways through the half, Louisville went on a 12-2 run. Slowly, Louisville obtained a 17-point lead. Then, the Cards expanded it to 18.

​Boston College wouldn't go quietly. The Eagles went on a massive 13-0 run. Louisville's lead was whittled from 18 to 5. Then, Adel made a free-throw and missed one. BC's Ky Bowman made two free-throws; and made it a two-possession game with 50.4 seconds left. Then, shortly later, Jordan Chatman hit a three, and it was a two-point game, with under 30 seconds left. The Eagles fouled Louisville, hoping to extend the game. The Cards hit six consecutive free-throws to finalize the score.

Four Cards were in the double-digits scoring. The team shot 40.4 percent overall, and 34.8 from beyond the arc. The offense was led by Deng Adel's 17 second-half points. VJ King made all eight free-throws, and finished with 15 points. Nwora also had 15. Adel also had 10 rebounds, and a double-double. Ray Spalding led the team with his 11 boards.

The Cards move to 15-4. They're still second in the ACC; at 5-1. Louisville Men's basketball now heads to Miami, to play the Hurricanes, Wednesday, January 24th, at 8pm.